With all the speculation surrounding Wilfried Nancy’s potential appointment as Brendan Rodgers’ successor, interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill hopes for a memorable night in Rotterdam, which could be his final European game in charge. The Hoops are struggling to secure a place in the Europa League knockout round, and so are Feyenoord, their midweek opponents, who have lost three and won only against Panathinaikos so far in this competition.
The Celts have defeated Sturm Graz and held Red Star Belgrade to a draw in the earlier rounds. Although they suffered a setback in Denmark against FC Midtjylland in the previous gameweek, the Dutch side’s dismal run of form should boost them toward a crucial victory on the road.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Feyenoord
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel achieved consecutive clean sheets in matches against Kilmarnock and St Mirren after a disappointing loss in Denmark. However, he has conceded seven goals in four European outings. Despite Feyenoord’s ongoing losing streak, the veteran goalkeeper will face a tougher challenge than he did against the Buddies on Saturday night.
Celtic are significantly impacted in the defensive third amid injuries to Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Marcelo Saracchi. Anthony Ralston should retain his place on the right due to his experience and ability. Also, Kieran Tierney must operate from the left, having rejoined his boyhood club this summer on a Bosman transfer from Arsenal. Carter-Vickers’ season-long absence leaves the Bhoys with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales as the only senior centre-backs available for selection. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has not been selected for the Europa League squad, and the pressure would be immense on Dane Murray, the young academy graduate, being the only other centre-half with first-team experience.
Midfield
The Hoops have ample options in midfield, but they remain heavily reliant on skipper Callum McGregor, who netted an injury-time winner to snatch a result from the Buddies. He would operate from the base as a deep-lying playmaker, and the likes of Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren should get the nod as ‘number 8s’ in the middle of the park. Reo Hatate might make way for Nygren, as the Swedish ace appeared as a second-half substitute in their last two league encounters.
Attack
Meanwhile, injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho, Callum Osmand and Jota significantly decimate them in the attacking third. Daizen Maeda’s lack of form has not helped them either, but the emergence of Johnny Kenny up top must be encouraging for the Glasgow giants. Maeda and Sebastian Tounekti are expected to feature from the flanks as the first-choice wide attackers over James Forrest, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Hyun-Jun Yang.
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